Makita has come out with a new 18V sub-compact brushless 1/2″ impact wrench, XWT13. About one year ago, we reported about the then-new Makita 18V sub-compact 3/8″ impact wrench, XWT12. The new Makita XWT13 looks similar, but features a 1/2″ drive and upgrade powertrain.
In addition to respectable specs for a tool of its size, the Makita sub-compact 1/2″ impact wrench also features 2 speed/torque settings, and a reverse rotation auto-stop mode that stops the tool when a tight fastener is successfully loosened.
- 1/2″ square drive
- Brushless motor
- 155 ft-lbs max fastening torque (1860 in-lbs)
- 245 ft-lbs nutbusting torque (2940 in-lbs)
- Compact size for working overhead or in tight spaces
- Variable speed triegger
- 0-1,300/0-2,400 RPM
- 0-2,000/0-3,600 IPM
- 5-15/16″ length
- Weighs 2.7 lbs with battery
- Dual LED lights
- Reverse rotation auto-stop mode
- Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) improved dust and water resistance
There are bare tool (XWT13ZB) and kit (XWT13RB) options. The kit comes with an 18V rapid charger, tool bag, and (2) compact 2.0Ah batteries.
Price: $229 for the bare tool, $289-$299 for the kit
Buy Now(Bare Tool via Amazon)
Buy Now(Bare Tool via Acme Tools)
Buy Now(Kit via Amazon)
Buy Now(Kit via Acme Tools)
First Thoughts
When Makita added a 3/8″ impact wrench to their sub-compact cordless power tool lineup, I was surprised. A sub-compact 1/4″ impact wrench? That’s a small leap from an 1/4″ hex impact driver. 3/8″? That was unexpected. Now, a 1/2″ drive size with a bump-up in max torque, and without any decrease in speed? I think I’m impressed.
Length-wise, the new Makita XWT13 1/2″ impact wrench is 5-15/16″ long, compared to 5-5/8″ for the 3/8″ impact wrench. Both are said to weigh 2.7 lbs with battery.
The 3/8″ impact also featured the reverse rotation auto-stop feature, so that’s not brand new tech. The 3/8″ is rated at 130 ft-lbs max torque, compared to 155 ft-lbs for the new 1/2″.
Looks like the new Bosch 18V brushless Freak impact driver/wrench just got some competition.
Makita shows the new impact being used in both construction and automotive applications.
Why a 1/2″ cordless impact wrench that’s not as heavy duty as the much larger and even more capable tools also on the market? Different users have different needs, and for lower torque applications, a lighter and smaller tool can get the job done while being easier on your body.
What I like about compact and mid-torque 1/2″ impacts, aside from their smaller size and lighter weight, is that they work with 1/2″ impact sockets I already have. 3/8″ impact wrenches of course have their place, too. This isn’t the kind of 1/2″ impact wrench that can loosen the tightest lug nuts, and that’s okay.
Could you use an ultra-compact 1/2″ brushless impact wrench in your work?
